Issue link: https://tmcpulse.uberflip.com/i/646815
t m c » p u l s e | m a r c h 2 0 1 6 22 22 Microbes Unraveled Stunning discoveries about the nature of flesh-eating bacteria could lead to lifesaving therapeutics At first, we didn't believe it. We're scientists—we're always skeptical. — ASHOK CHOPRA, PH.D. Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston Ashok Chopra, Ph.D., professor of microbiology and immunology at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. B y A l e x a n d r a B e c k e r N ecrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as flesh-eating bacteria, is as horrific as it sounds. Lurking in fresh and brackish water in warm climates such as ours, it infiltrates the human body through open cuts in the skin or by consuming undercooked seafood sourced from infected areas. Once inside, the microbes spread quickly and aggressively, sometimes liquefying muscles and crippling organs within mere hours. Immediate treatment—including intravenous antibiotics and rapid surgical intervention—is required, but even with these efforts, the infection can leave individuals severely debilitated and often proves fatal. Ashok Chopra, Ph.D., professor of microbiology and immunology at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB), is hoping his ground- breaking research will change these outcomes for the better. Chopra, in partnership with colleagues from the